Frankfort artist’s custom corsets uncovered at Kentucky Crafted

To call a corset by Alisha Martin merely an undergarment is to miss the wardrobe possibilities of the bespoke pieces on exhibit at this weekend’s Kentucky Crafted: The Market.

With an undergraduate degree in archeology and a master’s in folk studies, Martin once worked in museums, including The Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort. It was there that she had the chance to closely examine historical textiles and try to re-create the technique.

Now based in Frankfort, she has been making corsets for 11 years and founded The Bad Button, her custom corsetry company, in 2010.

“I think to be honest, the thing that has intrigued me the most about corsetry is I can take my magpie nature — if it’s shiny I love it — I can take that with my love of science, create something that’s not just a piece of clothing, it’s actually a piece of art once you’re through with it,” Martin said.

Close-fitting laced pieces in the 1700s reshaped women’s waists to fit the day’s silhouettes. Centuries later, fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier’s cone-shaped metallic corsets were designed as high fashion, meant to be worn for all to see.

Martin works with customers to create pieces that range from basic supportive devices worn beneath clothing to feathered and beaded showstoppers requiring months to complete.

Her basic “fundamental line” starts at about $270. A custom underbust design starts at $370 and goes up from there. Pieces are as varied as the customers who find their way to The Bad Button.

“I have burlesque performers, I have brides, I have women who just think corsets are completely awesome and want an excuse to wear them,” she said. “I have transgender clients, male to female transgender clients, who are trying to go for a slightly more feminine silhouette.”

For more information, including sizing and pricing details and schedules for corset-making classes, go to Thebadbuttoncorsets.com.

Can’t make it to Kentucky Crafted? Martin also will be at the Lexington Comic and Toy Convention March 11 through 13 at the Lexington Convention Center. For more about that event, go to Lexingtoncomiccon.com.

More shopping news

Sqecial Media, 371 South Limestone, celebrates its 44th anniversary from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The day will include discounts, decorations and live music from Warren Byrom.

At House, 250 Walton Avenue, save 20 percent storewide during the spring open house. Call 859-523-3933 or go to Housebyjsd.wordpress.com.

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 2:50 PM with the headline "Frankfort artist’s custom corsets uncovered at Kentucky Crafted."